Source Control in the Management of Sepsis
SUMMARY
- Source control is a major determinant affecting outcomes in patients with sepsis.
- The need for source control should be linked into the diagnostic process of sepsis patients.
- Source control should be considered in every sepsis patient, but it may not be necessary to control a source of infection in all patients.
REVIEW
- Difficulties obtaining source control in sepsis patients include:
- It’s definition
- The optimal timing of source control
- The lack of standardized methods for source control
- Avoidance or delay of source control is associated with poor outcomes.
- Source control strategies include:
CONSIDERATIONS OF SOURCE CONTROL:
- Source Control Sites:
- Abdominal infections
- Blood Stream Infections
- Central Venous Catheter
- Patient Factors – numerous factors play a role
- Severity of illness (hemodynamics, respiratory, metabolic)
- Coagulation
- Location & extent of infection
- Ongoing contamination
- Risk of collateral damage
- Avoid additional damagery strategy ma
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- In some situations, a temporary be preferred
- Definitive interventions should occur when patient’s physiologic condition has improved.
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- A failed attempt at source control
- Ongoing infection
- Incomplete source control
- Ongoing contamination
- Combination of items
CONCLUSIONS
- Appropriate source control is a key factor in sepsis management.
- Without adequate source control, clinical stabilization or improvement may not occur.
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Erkan Hassan is the Co-Founder & Chief Clinical Officer of Sepsis Program Optimization where he designs & oversees the implementation of solutions to optimize sepsis programs.
To discuss your organization’s Barriers of Effective Sepsis Care, contact Erkan by phone (844) 4SEPSIS (844-473-7747), email (erkan@spo.icu), or video chat.